Ballet Black's latest double bill "Heroes" is a tour de force that shatters conventions and leaves an indelible mark on the soul. This innovative production is a potent celebration of human resilience, diversity, and the transcendent power of dance.
Mthuthuzeli November's "The Waiting Game" is a visceral, high-octane masterpiece that plunges headfirst into the depths of life's profoundest queries. The choreography is an electrifying torrent of movement, punctuated by the raw, pulsating voices of the Ballet Black artists themselves. This is no mere performance; it's a full-throttle kinetic odyssey that cements November's status as a choreographic visionary and underscores Ballet Black's singular artistic identity.
Sophie Laplane's "If At First" provides an exquisite counterpoint, unravelling a nuanced narrative of quiet heroism amidst adversity's unrelenting undertow. Whilst giving meaning to 'Heavy is the head which wears the crown' her choreography is a masterclass in subtlety and emotional resonance, a delicate yet commanding portrait of self-acceptance hard-won. Laplane's work leaves audiences awash in catharsis, a testament to her rare gift for translating the human mind into pure, poetic movement.
From its trailblazing inception in 2002, Ballet Black has been a disruptive force, carving out vital space for Black and Asian artists in the stubbornly monochrome ballet realm. "Heroes" doubles down on this subversive legacy, delivering a sensory-engulfing experience that both enthrals and provokes vital discourse on the indomitability of the human spirit.
With tickets from an eminently affordable £16.50, this electrifying double bill beckons audiences of all stripes to immerse themselves in an evening of breathtaking artistic transcendence. At ninety transfixing minutes punctuated by an interval, "Heroes" envelops the senses with atmospheric haze and arresting light design which offers invaluable insight into the creatives' idiosyncratic processes and the myriad themes explored therein.
In short, "Heroes" is a boundary-demolishing triumph, a consummate articulation of Ballet Black's daring identity and the multifarious powers of dance itself. This is a production that awakens both mind and spirit, a thrilling and indispensable encounter with the intrinsic glories of a revitalized art form. Miss it at your peril.
Price From £16.50 Presented by Ballet Black Age guidance 7+ Please note, no under 5s will be admitted to the auditorium.
Running time Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes including an interval Please note
This performance contains haze and bright lights reflected off mirrors shining into the auditorium. Latecomers will only be admitted at a suitable break, approximately 14 minutes into the first act.
Offers 3 for 2: Add 3 shows into your basket and at checkout enjoy 33% off each production T&Cs apply – Find Out More
Fees and Charges Please note there is a transaction fee of £3.50 on all payment types.
Susan Vickers
